The Culinary Institute of America has created a new organization within the college.
The Industry Leadership and Advancement Division is meant to integrate the CIA's thought leadership and institutional support initiatives. Co-led by Victor Gielisse and Greg Drescher, the division will be responsible for CIA industry leadership, corporate relations, alumni relations, strategic partnerships, conferences, new media, and consulting services.
"At a time of major changes within our country and the food world we serve, this new organization will bring attention to the innovative programs and thought leadership the CIA provides," says Dr. Tim Ryan, president of the CIA. "The Industry Leadership & Advancement Division will more fully demonstrate how CIA teaching and research add tremendous value to our industry and society."
Victor Gielisse will serve as the Vice President – Advancement & Business Development for the new division.
He formerly served as associate vice president for business development for the college, where he directed the college's relationship within the food service industry for business development and consulting. Earlier he served as the CIA's dean of culinary, baking, and pastry studies for the college's degree programs.
Greg Drescher will serve in the newly created role of Vice President – Strategic Initiatives & Industry Leadership. In his previous role as executive director of strategic initiatives, he was responsible for conceptualizing and developing the CIA's many thought leadership initiatives for the food service and hospitality industries.
The Industry Leadership and Advancement Division is responsible for directing these programs and gaining the institutional support they require, and it will drive the expansion of thought leadership in these areas through its annual conferences.
These include the Latin Flavors, American Kitchens andHealthy Flavors, Healthy Kids conferences at the CIA's San Antonio campus, as well as the renowned Worlds of Flavor International Conference and Festival held annually at the CIA at Greystone in St. Helena, CA.
